Ladakh’s Director General of Police, S D Singh Jamwal, announced on Saturday that prominent social activist Sonam Wangchuk is under investigation for alleged links with Pakistan. This development follows the recent arrest of a Pakistani Intelligence Operative who reportedly sent videos of Wangchuk’s protests across the border.
Jamwal characterized Wangchuk as a pivotal figure behind the violent outbursts in the region on Wednesday, which led to the tragic loss of four lives and left numerous others injured. The tension unfolding in Ladakh has raised serious concerns among law enforcement.
On Friday, authorities detained Wangchuk under the National Security Act, subsequently transferring him to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The police chief emphasized in his statements that, at this stage, details of the investigation cannot be disclosed. However, he urged the public to review Wangchuk’s profile, accessible on YouTube, which displays his rhetoric considered provocative.
“His speeches have instigated wrong sentiments, as he referenced significant unrest exemplified by the Arab Spring and turmoil in nearby nations like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka,” Jamwal noted.
Concerns related to foreign funding and violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) also emerged in the discussion around Wangchuk, who has allegedly engaged in dubious activities during his overseas trips. Jamwal reported that Wangchuk participated in an event by a Pakistani media group, The Dawn, and also made visits to Bangladesh, which he described as suspicious.
Wangchuk has been influential in the ongoing agitation by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, demanding statehood and the expansion of the Sixth Schedule to the Union Territory of Ladakh. Jamwal accused Wangchuk of attempting to manipulate the narrative and disrupt dialogue between the Centre and Ladakh representatives.
As the situation escalates, the Indian government has called for a new round of discussions on October 6, aimed at addressing the ongoing turmoil in Ladakh. Despite this initiative, Wangchuk continued a hunger strike, reportedly aware of the impending informal meeting between government officials and local leaders that occurred on September 25.
“A calculated attempt was made on the eve of this meeting to provoke unrest, culminating in the violence witnessed on Wednesday and the unfortunate fatalities,” Jamwal explained, underlining the police’s move to maintain the peace.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta previously remarked on the possibility of a foreign conspiracy linked to the violence; three citizens from Nepal suffered bullet injuries during the rioting. In connection with these events, a total of 50 individuals have been detained, with half a dozen identified as ringleaders.
“It is clear that Wangchuk, the main instigator of this unrest, has been detained in an external jail for safety and proper investigation,” the DGP concluded.
